The project , as it stands, met many of the LEED criteria. Energy wise it is at least 50% better than the LEED minimum rating. It uses natural shading to supplement the air conditioning systems. It is constructed, in the main, of native materials. It uses reflective materials wherever possible. The roads and parking areas are constructed of light colored native rock. As little as possible of the native forest has been disturbed. Overhangs and breezeway have been used wherever possible in lieu of air conditioning.
The changes required to meet the stringent LEED program were completed early in 2001 and a final rating was determined by the US Green Building Council evaluators.
This final rating was BRONZE and the certificate was presented at a USGB Meeting. Further information on the LEED Rating Criteria can be obtained by contacting the USGB at http://www.usgbc.org.
HISTORY
Aitken Spence Hotels Ltd. constructed the five star 162 bed resort hotel near the Kandalama Tank in Dambulla. The selected site is 55 acres in extent and is located approximately 2.5 km upstream of the Head works. The Mahaweli Authority released the land and supports the project as a desirable and sustainable development, enhancing the economical potential of the region. The site was selected by the chief architect on the project, Mr. Geoffrey Bawa, based on the scenic beauty and natural surroundings. Mr. Bawa was totally responsible for the conceptual design. Mr. Bawa is, undoubtedly the leading and most respected architect in Sri Lanka. He has designed a large number of projects which are considered as landmarks in the country, has been a pioneer in the concept of GREEN ARCHITECTURE and has always laid great emphasis on the blending of his buildings into the surroundings to minimize the disturbance to the environment. The Kandalama Hotel was designed by Mr. Bawa and the execution was handled by Mr. Milroy Perera, a Chartered Architect with the firm of Milroy Perera & Depal Wickremasinghe Partnership.
CASE STUDY - P.42 US Green Building Council
The Kandalama Hotel is a LEED Bronze Pilot Project and is a 162 bedroom resort hotel located on a picturesque site with dense vegetation. The project site is an excellent example of how a sensitive natural site can be thoughtfully develooped to protect the existing natural attributes. The design team chose to capitalize on the natural amenities of the site by minimizing construction extents and the overall building footprint. As a result, the total built area comprises only 10% of the total 55 acre site. Special efforts were made during construction to retain native vegetation and nestle the hotel into the lush trees and plants existing on the site to provide shading for the guest rooms, restaurant and garden areas. A survey of the density and distribution of flora was used to document the existing site characteristics and the building design was altered to preserve existing trees and the natural topography of the site. Stilts and columns were used to elevate the buildings above existing natural features, such as boulders, and to reduce cut and fill need.